The figures also show variation in trends between machines of different powers and in different parts of the country. Most of the growth in registrations was for machines of over 160hp, with 80% more tractors recorded in the 161-200hp range between January and March 2022.

Registrations of machines over 200hp were also up by more than 20% on the previous year. However, fewer tractors were sold under 160hp in the opening three months of 2023.

The trends in higher power bands may partly be explained by improved availability as supply chain disruptions subside. At the same time, it might also reflect strong demand from arable farmers who have seen an increase in profits over the last two years due to strong prices.

This possibility is also reflected at regional level, as registrations increased across most of England, with the exception of the North West. The greatest increases were recorded in the South of England and East Anglia, both prime arable regions, as well as the North East, although the latter only accounts for a small proportion of tractor sales.

In contrast, registrations were lower than last year in Wales and Northern Ireland and only slightly higher in Scotland, all parts of the UK dominated by grazing livestock farming, which fared less well financially in 2022.

The post UK agricultural tractor registrations up 10% in January through March appeared first on Farmers Guide.

A 1920 International Titan with an estimated value of £14,000 – £16,000 will be going under the hammer at the Cheffins Vintage Sale.

Highlights among the tractors include a Roadless Ploughmaster 6/4 with an estimated value of £35,000 – £40,000. Other notable tractors comprise the 1919 International Junior and the 1920 International Titan, both with estimated values of £14,000 – £16,000.

A 1975 Ford 7000 will also be on offer, with only 6,334 hours on the clock. The machine was initially registered to Ernest Doe & Sons in Maldon as a company demonstrator. This well-maintained and authentic model is estimated to sell for £25,000 – £30,000.

Meanwhile, the vintage motorcycle section consists of almost 70 vehicles, including five Kawasaki two-stroke triples (250, 350, 400 and 500cc models) with estimates ranging from £4,000 – £10,000.

A 1956 Matchless 500cc G50, with an estimated value of £25,000 – £28,000, is set to be of particular interest to collectors, alongside a 1968 250cc Aermacchi Ala d’Oro racer, which is expected to sell for £18,000 – £20,000.

Other brands featuring at the sale include Ducati, Moto-Guzzi, Raleigh, BSA, New Imperial, Cotton, AJS, Velocette, Norton, Triton, Greeves, Royal Enfield and Triumph, as well as a series of project machines and choppers.

Last but not least, the automobilia section is offering various collectible items, including a rare Kismet Autocol air and water tower pump from the 1950s, standing at a height of 181cm with an estimated value of £3,500 – £4,500.

Another interesting item is an Esso-branded Avery-Hardoll forecourt petrol pump dating back to the 1960s, which is expected to fetch between £1,000 and £1,500. Lastly, there is an Avery-Hardoll Century petrol pump on offer from the post-war era, measuring 190cm in height, with an estimated sale price of £2,000 – £2,500.

Oliver Godfrey, head of machinery division at Cheffins, commented: “The April Vintage Sale really kicks off the calendar for collectors UK-wide. We always have a really strong consignment, and this year is no different, with over 2,600 lots going under the hammer.

“Last year saw some incredibly strong prices paid across the whole of the vintage sector, with classic tractors from the 1970s onwards in particular seeing some real growth in values.

“We expect the 1975 Ford 7000 to be of significant interest to a number of our regular buyers, whilst the excellent range of motorbikes ought to bring the motorcycle enthusiasts to the sale,” he concluded.

The Cheffins Vintage Sale is scheduled for Friday 21st April (live and online auction for literature, models, bygones etc) and live on Saturday 22nd April (tractors, motorcycles, automobilia, vehicles, implements etc) at the Cheffins Machinery Saleground, Sutton, near Ely, CB6 2QT.

For more information, visit www.cheffins.co.uk, or call Cheffins auctioneers on 01353 777767.

The post Classic tractors and collectors’ items to feature at Cheffins Vintage Sale appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Stock photo for illustration only.

In January, 644 agricultural tractors (over 50hp) were registered in the UK – an increase of nearly 30% compared to the same month last year.

It is also the highest total for the opening month of the year since 2019.

Despite a relatively low figure for December 2022, registrations over the last four months were 10% higher than the year before.

The recent growth is perhaps an indication that the disruptions to supply chains which led to longer lead times for tractors and other machinery are starting to ease, AEA said.

The post New tractor registrations up 30% in January appeared first on Farmers Guide.

It’s crucial to have your machines inspected before and after the season by a professional.

Your New Holland machine is manufactured to the highest quality, which guarantees the reliability, performance, and the efficiency when out in the field. But to ensure that your machinery continues to produce its maximum potential, it’s important that you book a maintenance after each harvesting season. New Holland recommend that you choose them for your next after-season maintenance, and they will make sure that your machinery continues to operate at peak performance during the 2023 season!

Why book your after-season maintenance with New Holland? 

The New Holland expert service technicians are trained extensively to ensure they are knowledgeable with the most efficient practices when servicing your machine. By using your local New Holland dealer, they will make sure that your combine is back in the field as soon as possible.

They guarantee that their expert technicians will check all the crucial points of your machines, giving you the confidence that your equipment will be in perfect shape and ready for the demanding tasks of 2023. Their genuine parts and service teams ensure that your machines performance is as good as it was on its first day. This is the best way for you to protect your investment!

Following the after-season maintenance, you will be assured that your machine was inspected according to the manufacturer instructions and repaired if necessary.

New Holland also offer a range of service options for your after-season maintenance, compatible with all machines in all New Holland workshops. Discover their Platinum, Gold and Silver tiered maintenance offers and choose the perfect option for your after-season maintenance!

Read below to find out more benefits of using a New Holland authorised dealership for your after-season maintenance!

• New Holland expert technicians have the most efficient tools readily available to find failures within your machines system. They will use the advanced technology to locate and eliminate any issues within your machinery and enable you to avoid any unnecessary downtime in 2023.
• The service technicians will install the current software for all models in their range, ensuring that your machine is up to date with the latest updates and technology.
• Their expert technicians specialise in New Holland machinery, which means they are the most qualified option when booking your after-season maintenance. The service technicians receive annual training to ensure that their expertise of the current range is up to date with the latest parts, technical information, and best practices. You can have peace of mind knowing that all New Holland Genuine Parts are installed in a quick and efficient manor by their technicians, allowing them to keep the maintenance cost effective for you.
• Every New Holland Genuine Part comes with a guaranteed 12-month warranty. This will allow you to have peace of mind if any unexpected downtime occurs.
• Technicians will only use New Holland Genuine Parts when servicing your machine. This allows your machinery to run at its maximum capacity and continue to be efficient for next season.

Read more about the benefits of using New Holland for your after-season maintenance in their E-Magazine.

Find your closest New Holland dealer now to book your maintenance and rest assured for the upcoming season in 2023 without any unnecessary downtime!

The post Choose New Holland for your after-season maintenance appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Stock photo for illustration purposes only

Philip and his family farm at Dennington in mid-Suffolk, and their main machinery hire and contracting business is based at Ardleigh in Essex. Trading as Philip Liverton Ltd, the company specialises in long- and short-term hire of grass and hedge cutting and ground maintenance machinery. This includes a large fleet of tractors – many of which are fitted with side-arm verge cutters, and a range of implements including grounds maintenance machinery, cultivation equipment and seeders.

A large fleet of robotic all-terrain tractor units suitable for use on steep banks and other challenging terrain is also available to hire with a range of implements including heavy-duty flails. Plant machinery includes mini- and mid-size 360-degree excavators and a fleet of JCB telehandlers.

Hedge and grass maintenance

The contracting operation is mainly ground care and includes a contract with Essex Highways to maintain roadside verges and hedges in the region. Many farmers and landowners in Suffolk and Essex also rely on Philip and his team to maintain hedges and conservation areas. Other activities include forestry work and combine harvesting, and he also offers a swathing service for oilseed rape and specialist crops.  This includes approximately 800ha of borage each year.

Growing family business

“We rely on modern, reliable machinery which is easy to use,” explained Philip, who runs the family business with his wife Bridget, daughter Abby, son James and an experienced team of managers. “We have approximately 20 tractors of a mix of brands. Most are on our hire fleet, we use a number for contracting and some are on our own farm. We get on particularly well with John Deere tractors and our local dealer, Tuckwells. We have 14 John Deere tractors from 35–215hp.”

The latest arrivals include a 6R.215 and three 6155R tractors. “The three 6155R machines are being fitted with 8m McConnel side-arm hedge cutters for hire to the Environment Agency and will work all over the UK,” continued Philip. “The 6R.215 will be used on our own farm.”

The right specification

The four new tractors all have AutoPowr infinitely variable transmissions. “We always specify this type of transmission as it’s ideal for hedge and verge cutting and mowing, but it improves the ease of use and working efficiency of other tasks too,” emphasised Philip. “The 6R.215 also has the CommandPro joystick control which is popular  with operators.”

John Deere telematics are standard, and Philip said that this offers significant advantages for the hire fleet. “We can see where they are located and how many hours they have worked, allowing us to keep an eye on the service requirements. It’s easier for dealer service engineers to find them too, especially if they are operating in remote locations.

“Telematics is something that is becoming more important. We are using precision farming systems on our own farm and when we are contracting we can monitor our costs accurately including fuel use and the time taken to complete tasks and ensure we are profitable.”

Tractors on the contracting fleet work up to 2,000 hours per year. All John Deere tractors are bought with an extended warranty and servicing is carried out by Tuckwells, apart from some older machines which are maintained in-house.

Fleet addition

The four John Deere Gators are a new addition to the hire fleet. A Gator which had been used on the farm for several years recently went out on hire for the first time, and Philip said that this has resulted in demand for more similar vehicles for long- and short-term hire and for a range of applications.

Other machinery supplied by Tuckwells in recent years includes JCB Loadall telehandlers, a Väderstad drill, trailers and ground care machinery. “We are well looked after by the Tuckwells team and there are depots within just a few miles of our farm in Suffolk and our yard in Essex,” said Phil.

“The Ardleigh, Essex depot sales manager Paul Coffey looks after our account and we find him very easy to deal with. His initial suggestion was to upgrade two tractors, then we increased the quote to three, before eventually ordering the four as a result of the attractive deal he put together. He was also able to find us four John Deere Gators with an ideal specification for our hire fleet, so those were added to the order.”

John Deere core

“I’ve known Philip since soon after he started his business, and I have always admired the way he spots opportunities to grow his business in different sectors and is willing to invest in the right equipment,” confirmed Paul.

“He has run John Deere tractors since he started trading and, although he uses other brands too, the John Deeres have always made up the core of his fleet. Tractors remain in short supply, but we had these four available. I thought immediately of Philip as I knew he had tractors which were due to be updated and these had the ideal specification.

“John Deere tractors come with a high specification as standard, and I know that Philip is keen to make the most of features such as the telematics which will help his team manage the large fleet. He is always looking for new opportunities and I’m very grateful for his continued business.”

The post Dependable machinery needed for growing fleet appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Stock photo for illustration purposes only.

The CMatic experience days started with a presentation about the company, and then attendees were given guided tours around the impressive Claas UK headquarters including the sales, service, parts and training facilities.

Then followed a brief presentation and walkaround explaining the design and operation of the Claas CMatic transmission. The afternoon session included six workstations providing opportunities to try Arion, Axion and Xerion tractors fitted with CMatic transmission in a range of working situations at the Claas Experience Centre.

Each day was limited to just 12 attendees so that everybody had the opportunity to interact with the sales team and the tractors.

First CMatic experience days

“It was the first time we have we have run this type of event and it has been extremely succesful,” stated Claas UK customer care coordinator, Emily Baylis. “We had a fantastic response to the CMatic mailshot sent out in July which initiated enquiries for the CMatic event, It was great to meet so many customers from across the UK and Ireland, learning more about their businesses and tractor requirements.”

CVT pioneer

Claas began its CVT transmission development in 1968, when it wanted a more flexible drive system for combine harvesters. The HSG project involved building a prototype high-horsepower tractor initially to test the transmission concept, and then development work continued with the intention of distributing a range of tractors in collaboration with Daimler-Benz.

However, the project was shelved for several years until Claas continued its own high-horsepower tractor development, and the first Xerion was launched in 1978.

In 2003, a majority share in Renault Agriculture was acquired and the Claas conventional tractor range evolved, including the largest Axion models which gained a CMatic transmission option in 2008. In 2013, Claas began offering its own EQ CMatic CVT transmission as an option for mid-size Arion 500/600-series tractors.

The current target is to produce 20,000 tractors at the Le Mans, France factory each year.

Successful event

Claas UK tractor and materials handlers product manager, Michael Ives said that the CMatic experience days were a success. Michael continued: “Some had never tried our CMatic transmission or even owned a Claas tractor, so we were able to increase awareness of what we offer.

“The only disappointment was the wet ground conditions which prevented field work, but even so everyone spent a lot of time in the seats, allowing them to get to grips with the controls and debunk a few myths. Where there is an option, almost half of Claas tractor buyers already choose CMatic, but we expect its popularity to increase as the benefits become more widely known.”

Attendees gather around a CMatic transmission while Claas UK tractor and materials handlers product specialist, David Thornton explains its features and benefits.

Efficient, simple and reliable

At the event, Claas emphasised the efficiency, simplicity and reliability of the CMatic transmission. Michael Ives said that although power losses are slightly lower in a mechanical powershift gearbox, the efficiency gains achieved by operating engines for more of the time within their most efficient speed range when a CVT transmission is used will more than compensate.

At working speeds between 5–20kph, Claas Axion 800- and 900-series tractors transmit a minimum of 83% of the drive mechanically through their four–range CMatic transmissions, and smaller Arion 500- and 600-series tractors with two mechanical speed ranges achieve at least 60% mechanical drive at the same speeds. Michael Ives said this means drive losses are extremely low.

Farmers Guide caught up with all 12 event participants at the Claas Experience Centre.

Precise control

Henry Sammons is a tractor operator for Much Wenlock-based TR Craig & Sons. “I work on a mainly arable farm where we already use Claas tractors, including an Axion 830 and an Axion 870 – both with CMatic transmissions, as well as an Arion 650 with a Hexashift gearbox. Claas combines have been used for many years and we currently operate a Lexion 760,” he explained.

“Excellent experience of the combines led to us buying our first Claas tractor – an Arion 640. The current Arion 650 does general farm work such as fertiliser applications and transport tasks, and the two Axions do the heavier work including most cultivations. The CMatic transmissions perform well and operate smoothly in the field and on the road. In automatic mode the engine revs are maintained within the most efficient working range, making the most of the torque and reducing fuel consumption.

“Another big advantage of CMatic is when hitching up implements and trailers – just feathering the foot pedal allows extremely precise control.”

Henry said that when the Arion is replaced, he will recommend upgrading to a CMatic transmission. “I’ve used other brands and the Claas is much smoother, and the ride quality of all the Claas tractors is excellent. The opportunity to meet the tractor specialists and find out more about these CVT transmissions was useful and I’m glad that I attended the day.”

Henry is pictured with Claas UK technical trainer for tractors, Tom Venni.

Bridgenorth mixed farm

Bridgenorth, Shropshire-based Rob Pugh from RH Pugh & Sons was at the event. The family farm is predominantly arable cropping, but there are also 200 beef cattle including a suckler herd, followers and calves which are bought in. A Lexion 760 combine is owned as well as Arion 650 and Axion 830 tractors and a Quadrant 2200 baler.

Rob said that Claas machinery is liked for its reliability, and back-up from the Morris Corfield team is superb.

“The Hexashift transmission on our Arion tractor is good, but it can’t compete with the CMatic Axion,” he stressed. “We have a lot of steep banks, and the CMatic automatically adjusts the gear ratio and engine revs and power to maintain a constant travel speed, whereas the Hexashift limits us to the ratios available. The CVT transmission is ideal for drilling as we can slow down gently for the ins and outs and keep the drill’s air system running at a constant speed. With no fixed gears it’s a big advantage.

“One of our objectives in attending the Claas day was to try the latest models, as our Arion 650 was bought in 2013 and will soon be replaced. We will definitely have another tractor with CVT transmission, and it’s likely to be a Claas. We’ve had demonstrations of competitor brands, but Claas is right up there in terms of reliability and build quality, and the back-up from the Morris Corfield team is always excellent.”

Members of the Morris Corfield team at the event lr Sales representatives Steve Jordan, Ben Lea and Martin Wood

Has to be CVT

Mark Gennard from Bridgenorth, Shropshire was another Morris Corfield customer at the open day. Trading as JM Gennard, his family has an arable farm producing cereals and owns a Lexion 570 combine, a new Scorpion 736 telehandler and a Quadrant 2200 baler. “We deal with Morris Corfield for the after-sales service and because we get on well with Claas products,” Mark explained. “If we get a problem then we rely on ‘Geordie’ to come and fix it.”

Mark said that an Arion 660 was trialled earlier this autumn, and he is keen to borrow the demonstrator again for spring drilling.

“It will have to be the CMatic, as we wouldn’t have anything other than a CVT now,” he stressed. “I also use the tractor to provide a contracting service for other farmers in the area which includes a lot of de-stoning, so the infinite speed control is ideal. I was impressed by the Claas premises and team at the experience day. There was an opportunity to provide feedback and the Claas representatives listened.

Latest in-cab terminals

Contractor Dave Lea (not pictured) of John Lea & Sons doesn’t use Claas tractors currently, but he commented that he is more likely to in future after attending the Claas event. The family business is based near Much Wenlock in Shropshire, and Claas machinery supplied and looked after by Morris Corfield includes a Jaguar 970 forage harvester, two Lexion 760 combines and two sets of reverse-drive triple mowers plus two four-rotor rakes.

“We have dealt with Morris Corfield for at least 40 years, and receive excellent service,” Dave explained. “We had a Claas tractor with CMatic transmission many years ago, but it was changed for another brand. Recent models feature many improvements, and, during the experience day, I was impressed by the Claas Easy precision farming systems and the latest in-cab terminals which are particularly user-friendly. Next time we have a tractor to update, Claas will be considered.”

Comfort important

Claas dealer Olivers Reading-depot customer, Andrzej Milewski is a machinery operator for J Rayner & Sons – arable farmers based near Heathrow. The farming business bought three Arion 650 tractors during the summer, which will be used for a wide range of tasks.

A larger tractor of another brand is also operated and due for replacement, so Andrzej was keen to try the larger Axion models as a potential replacement. “We travel long distances between work areas, so comfort is very important,” he explained. “We tried other brands, but we really like the Arions and get on well with the Claas dealer, so we feel that a bigger Claas tractor with CMatic transmission would probably suit us well.”

User-friendly

Shropshire-based farmer Keith Cambidge runs a mixed farm with his brother. Trading as Trustees of TG Cambidge, the enterprise includes dairy cattle and arable crops. The machinery fleet includes the farm’s second Scorpion telehandler, as well as an older Arion 640 and a new Arion 660 CMatic along with a competitor brand which spends most of its time powering a feeder wagon.

“We like Claas as the back-up is superb – not only from our local dealer, Morris Corfield, but also from Claas UK,” said Keith. “I also drive a Claas combine for a local farmer, and the aftersales support is second to none.

“I came to the CMatic event to find out more about these transmissions. Our Arion 660 is our first tractor with CVT transmission, and it seemed a great opportunity to learn how to get the best from it. The latest controls are very similar to the combine in terms of the layout and operating logic, which is a help when getting into the combine at the start of harvest after a 10-month break as everything is quickly familiar.

“I also like being able to allocate the joystick buttons for different tasks. For power harrowing and drilling I need the same hydraulic spools, but I prefer to operate them using different joystick buttons. The Claas is very user-friendly.”

Keith said that he has visited the Claas Saxham site previously for combine operator courses. “It’s changed a lot and the new buildings are impressive.”

Claas fleet

Trading as ER Goodwin & Sons, the Goodwin family has farmed and offered a contracting service in the Malpas area since 1945. Now the business involves Clive Goodwin and his brother John, and Clive’s sons Lee – who is pictured at the Claas event – and Richard who manages a local beef herd and works on the family farm.

A large machinery fleet includes two Jaguar forage harvesters, Lexion and Dominator combines, three Liner rakes, Disco mowers and Quadrant square balers. “We had one of the first self-propelled Jaguars and have always used Claas combines. Nothing compares to Claas,” Lee said.

There are no Claas tractors on the fleet currently. “We had an Arion 650 several years ago but replaced it with another brand. However, Claas tractors have come a long way in recent years so now we are considering an Arion 660 and are also likely to purchase an Axion.

“I learned a lot from the day spent at Claas and it persuaded me that the CMatic transmission is the one to choose. It’s easy and comfortable to use and very simple. We use GPS guidance, and the opportunity to find out and try the Claas Easy precision farming systems was useful too.”

Lee said that it was his first visit to Saxham since the new buildings were completed. “The facilities are mind-blowing, such an improvement,” he commented.

Back-up from dealer

Jack Brisbourne of Shrewsbury-based DM Brisbourne & Sons is pictured with Claas UK tractor and materials handler product manager, Michael Ives. Jack attended the event as he is looking for a main tractor for his family’s mixed farming enterprise. Applications will include manure spreading, drilling and fertiliser applications.

“We had an Arion 650 with a Hexashift transmission on demonstration from our local dealer, Morris Corfield,” he explained. “We use a competitor-brand tractor currently, but the back-up from our Claas dealer is very good so we were keen to try the Claas.

“The CMatic event was useful. I have driven other tractors with CVT transmission in the past, but the Claas system is very easy to use. Having found out more about the advantages, including the ability to maintain constant engine and PTO speeds for tasks such as drilling while being able to infinitely vary the forward speed, I will certainly opt for the CMatic transmission if we buy a Claas.”

Prefer Claas

Edward Owens of FJ Owens & Co said he benefitted from attending the event. The Owens family farm is at Welshpool and the main enterprise is livestock and a contracting service is offered using the farm’s tractors.

The Claas Experience Centre at the Saxham, Suffolk headquarters was used to demonstrate the CMatic transmission in a variety of Claas tractor models and different applications

“We use Claas already and rely on Morris Corfield,” Edward explained. “Our current fleet includes an Axion 830 on a 67-plate, plus a new Arion 470 which was the first of its type in the country and we have a Renault, too.”

The farm’s Axion is due for replacement, and it will be replaced by a newer version of the same model.

“We receive excellent back-up from the Morris Corfield team, so although in the past I often considered different tractor brands, we stuck with Claas for the service. However, the more recent Claas models are excellent, and I don’t think there is any other brand I would prefer now. They are comfortable and have the best cab and axle suspension of any I’ve tried. If our new Arion 470 had been available with CMatic transmission then we would have specified it, as there are many benefits including simpler operation and increased working efficiency.

“The day at Claas was very useful and I enjoyed meeting the team.”

Great dealer team

Contractor, Chris Vallone is based at Much Wenlock in Shropshire. He has a self-propelled sprayer and offers a general contracting service using his own tractor.

“I get on well with the Morris Corfield team, but don’t run a Claas tractor currently,” he said. “But I was impressed after trying the different models for the afternoon. They are user-friendly and comfortable, and the Claas Saxham premises is unbelievable.

“If I change to a Claas tractor, then I have no worries regarding the back-up that will be available from Claas and my local dealer.”

Confident in CMatic

Southwell, Nottingham-based farmer Ed Hammond attended the day with the farm’s machinery operator Phil Hurt. Trading as John Hammond & Co, the family farm is mainly cereals with additional crops including sugar beet and potatoes. “We already deal with Claas Eastern at the Markham Moor depot and are impressed by the support we receive for our Lexion combine. We take advantage of the service packages which are very cost-effective, and so we are looking at buying Claas tractors too,” Ed explained.

“Our main tractor is due for replacement next year, and as part of our move to regenerative farming techniques including reduced cultivations and soil disturbance, we think that an Axion Terra-Trac would offer significant advantages for field work and drilling.

“We are establishing more cover crops and use a direct drill, but we also need a tractor capable of primary cultivations to prepare ground for potatoes. We borrowed a demonstration Axion a few years ago but didn’t buy one at the time, and the latest models feature significant improvements. The new display terminals are logical and user-friendly, and Phil and I agreed that the ability to operate them through the touchscreen or manual controls is an advantage.”

The opportunity to find out about the CMatic transmission from product specialists was considered particularly valuable.  “They explained it clearly so that we now know how it works, and understand its capabilities as well as its limitations,” he said. “Having been stung by expensive gearbox repairs on other brand tractors in the past, I’m confident that whatever else might fail during the first 20,000 hours worked by a Claas tractor, it won’t be the CMatic transmission.”

Ed said that seeing around the new Claas buildings has given him even more confidence in the brand. “Claas and its dealers conduct themselves well, and this sort of well-organised day is a much better use of our time than attending shows. It was personal and gave us exactly what we needed, rather than just looking at static machines on a stand.”

Pictured (l-r) Phil Hurt, Ed Hammond, Claas global tractor sales capability manager Max Groever and Claas UK regional sales manager Colin Arnold.

The post Transmission benefits highlighted at customer experience days appeared first on Farmers Guide.

At 728 machines, the monthly total was up by more than a third, compared with November 2021. Although registrations were unusually low a year ago, this year’s figure was also 12% higher than the average November figure for the previous five years and was the highest for the time of year since 2017. The annual total was still 2% down on the equivalent period last year but was 4% above the recent average for the first 11 months of the year.

The post UK agricultural tractor registrations on the rise appeared first on Farmers Guide.

To deliver this exciting range of products, AgXeed will be distributed through a dedicated team operating under the ASC Autonomy brand. AgXeed technology is more than a machine: it is a new way of farming and partners like ASC Autonomy can guide and support customers through the change management process associated with running this equipment, the company says.

AS Communications recognises AgXeed as a strong contender in the autonomy space, and having seen the machine at work at various shows and at the factory in the Netherlands, says there is no doubt that it has a place with both new and existing customers.

Larger implements have been used to compensate for the labour shortages we have seen in the UK, which has put larger machines on the ground, resulting in increased pressure on soils – quite literally.

By employing autonomy there is much more scope to operate equipment for longer so the same ground can be covered with smaller implements, taking care of our soils. AgXeed is able to pull existing implement configurations in a lot of cases, making it much easier to implement into existing systems.

“Our existing customers are utilising a lot of the technology already associated with autonomy; having the field and A-B line infrastructure in place for their manned vehicles is very similar to that required for the autonomous machines, but more important,” says Andrew Williams of AS Communications/ASC Autonomy. “We see a lot more customers looking to utilise software in their recording and analysis of field operations; the AgXeed has some powerful tools in this area, and it is a natural next step for us as a business.”

Joris Hiddema, CEO of AgXeed commented: “With AS Communications we have found an excellent partner for the sales and service of our technology in the UK.

“Autonomy is the next logical step in the development of modern professional agriculture, and it becomes more and more critical with each week and month, as we are living through multiple resource crises.

“AgXeed enables an integrated approach to all processes on the farm: planning, crop production and distribution. Our machines are the most visible part of our product offering, but the data portal, which collects data and delivers actionable insights, is instrumental to the total value we deliver.

“Together with AS Communications we see ourselves in a position to address the challenges in this sector and provide the farmer with real autonomy and allow him to manage his business sustainably and more profitably.”

The post AgXeed autonomous tractors to be distributed under ASC Autonomy brand appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Parts are manufactured around Europe and then delivered to the plant using a ‘just-in-time’ process, which means well-organised logistics delivering the parts to the assembly line as they’re needed.

It starts with two main parts; the engine and gearbox being brought together using one of the nine automated vehicles. Once they’re joined, it’s the beginning of a tractor.

It’s then moved onto a monorail system, by which it is carried around the plant. The monorail is the original system that was installed when the factory was built in the 1960s, although it has been modified to be able to handle the significantly heavier tractors produced today.

Hydraulic pipes, axles and other parts are added as it travels along the production line. The chassis never stops moving, so everything is attached as it passes through each area.

Then, it’s off to be primed and painted. The first part of the spraying process is done by robotics, but then a human takes over to ensure a high-quality finish on the harder-to-reach areas.

While much of the manufacturing process is done robotically, there are so many different models being made, with each having virtually unique – almost bespoke – specifications, that it’s difficult to automate the entire process.

When the factory opened in 1964, a total of 1,800-litres of paint would be used every day; yet today, despite increased production, more efficient methods mean only 439-litres are used daily. It’s said that there was so much paint in the air, cars outside would have a blue mist on them by the end of the day.

The shiny chassis is now painted and has dried on its stand, ready to continue around the plant.

Other smaller components are put together by hand, such as the pedal assembly, before being fitted to the tractor.

Cabs come in ready made, but have other components added based on the customer’s specification. Seats are so big that they need to be dropped through the roof.

It’s only when the cab is fitted to the chassis that it really starts looking like a tractor. The chassis is still moving along the monorail, so workers have to bring the cabs inline and keep them moving to be able to fit them correctly. It might only be slow, but it takes great skill from the team to be able to marry the two parts perfectly.

Wheels are now added and the tractor can now support itself. It’s dropped off the monorail and on to a moving track.

Once the tractor is fully built, gates lift up and it’s towed to the next area to be commissioned.

There are hundreds of new tractors outside the factory, waiting to be delivered to their final destinations – which can be anywhere in the world. They might looks shiny and clean, but they’ll have a tough life ahead working on the fields helping to not just feed the UK, but everyone on the planet.

The post VIDEO: How a tractor is made: A tour of the New Holland plant appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Farmers are facing challenges on various levels. In addition to ever tighter legislation and growing societal demands, there are also immediate effects of climate change as well as rising cost for agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, fuel, spare parts and the like. That is why looking for the right strategy, the right tools and also the right tyres has become increasingly important.

Promises in the ‘advertising world’, however, are colourful, and almost limitless – and mostly rather euphemistic. Against this background, farmers prefer to trust their peers; they prefer to watch, read, listen, monitor, compare – and then make their own sound decisions based on their findings. And, when looking for new tyres, for example, they do so for good reason. On the one hand, machines are getting bigger and bigger, and there is a growing risk of soil compaction. On the other, more produce needs to be grown on the same amount of land, and farms need to be productive – and economically viable – to stay in business.

End-users’ feedback provides valuable insights

When Geraint Jones, owner of a tyre business and a hill farm in Wales reports about his experiences, other practitioners will easily understand the situation: “Last winter was really wet and muddy, but ever since we mounted the new Alliance Agri Star II, our traction problems melted like snow in the spring sun. Having these new tyres on the tractor meant we haven’t needed to use 4-wheel drive half as much, simply because the traction is just so good,” Geraint says. For him, these totally new and convincing experiences are directly connected to this tyre’s unique construction – and he knows perfectly well what he is talking about. “I have been fitting tyres for 35 years, and out of the thousands I’ve fitted, I don’t think I’ve ever been as impressed as I am with these tyres.”

Comparable views and comments of end-users are often also dedicated to the Alliance Agriflex 372 VF – some of them from Spanish farmers and contractors working under rather severe conditions in terms of wear and risk of tyre damage. They particularly appreciate the robust construction of the Agriflex 372 VF, along with the minimised risk of downtime and the expected long tyre life. As Simón Haro Martínez, in the Almería region, puts it: “The 372 Agriflex have a better grip and look like they will last.” He recommends this tyre to other farmers “because their performance is good and they cost less” – a view also fully supported by Cristóbal Gutiérrez Gabarrón from the Murcia area.

For Yokohama Off-Highway Tires, the positive feedback from many end-users in different countries such as Spain, Italy, Netherlands, France and the UK, to mention just a few, is a clear confirmation of the chosen “quality & performance” strategy.

Scientific evidence of measurable benefits

Spreading the news and providing first-hand insights is a regular part of Yokohama Of-Highway Tires’ communication strategy. Accordingly, the Alliance Agri Star II and the Alliance 372 VF were also presented in field operations both to farmers and the trade press during a field demo in Maastricht, Netherlands, in May 2022. On that occasion, results of a scientific study were presented that underpin the feedback of practitioners and confirm measurable benefits. Conducted by SEGES Innovation in Denmark in 2021, an independent scientific study compared conventional tyres with Alliance VF tyres on tractor and liquid manure spreader, the VF tyres being operated with a markedly lower inflation pressure of just 1.0 bar instead of 2.5 to 3.0 bar.

For Henning Sjørslev Lyngvig, one of the consultants who evaluated these field trials, the positive effects were striking, as the maize yields in the ‘VF tyre plots’ significantly exceeded those in the ‘conventional tyre plots’ by 1.5 to 2.2 percent per hectare. This translates to calculated profit gains due to higher yields and reduced tyre slippage in the ‘VF tyre plots’ between 21.8 and 32 EUR per hectare. These results support an earlier independent French study on key characteristics of the Alliance 372 VF. With second-best, equal or even best results with regard to fuel efficiency, traction, slip in soft soil and footprint, the Alliance 372 VF was a clear match for a comparable premium competitor’s tyre and outperformed all competitors’ premium IF tyres.

Further scientific proof wanted!

Following the first series of scientific field trials performed by SEGES Innovation in cooperation with NDI Group in Denmark, a new study was started by the two partners in April 2022. This second study is taking place at the Agerbæk Machinery Station, some 20 kilometres north-east of Esberg, Denmark. The SEGES team will be looking at a special wheel solution and its effects on the subsequent yield and quality of corn. The comparisons include a solution with double narrow rims and Alliance 354 Agriflex+ (VF) row crop tyres that are operated at reduced inflation pressure and roll between the corn rows versus a set of wide tyres that roll across the space of four future corn rows in the seeding process. The study follows a method similar to the one used in the previous experiment with Alliance 372 VF and 389 VF tyres, the purpose of the new tyre experiment being to provide operators with the best possible guidance. During the year, growth, quality and yield of the crop will be assessed. The results of a previous study conducted in Germany also suggest significant yield effects in the new experiment – a message that again will be shared with practitioners.

Peer-to-peer information and scientific evidence both play a key role for the team at YOHT’s Alliance brand as parts of their various efforts to solve farmers’ “pain points”. That is also a particular focal point for Kirkby Tyres, the NTDA Truck & Agricultural Tyre Supplier of the Year 2021. As exclusive Alliance distributor in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Kirkby Tyres closely monitors practitioners’ feedback and various scientific assessments, as practical experiences and independent scientific findings form the solid and trustworthy basis to support farmers in making the best possible tyre decisions.

The post Making the right decisions matters! appeared first on Farmers Guide.